In this article, we will take a look at the differences between synchronous and induction motors, as well as the two types of induction motors: squirrel cage and…
In this article, we will take a look at the differences between synchronous and induction motors, as well as the two types of induction motors: squirrel cage and wound rotor.
Robots are no longer unanimously just "robots"—there are specific tasks and functionality of each kind. Learn about the…
Robots are no longer unanimously just "robots"—there are specific tasks and functionality of each kind. Learn about the technology differences between fixed-location robots and mobile robots and why no one robot is like another.
Any machine can become a source of elevated temperature, even under regular operation. We cannot assume that temperature…
Any machine can become a source of elevated temperature, even under regular operation. We cannot assume that temperature problems occur only based on climate conditions, and mitigation steps must be employed.
When selecting the right module for the right load, be sure to understand how the load resistance will affect the voltage…
When selecting the right module for the right load, be sure to understand how the load resistance will affect the voltage and current of the output module terminals.
Moving data is a critical function of PLCs. In this article, we’ll talk about Move, Masked Move, Copy File, and…
Moving data is a critical function of PLCs. In this article, we’ll talk about Move, Masked Move, Copy File, and Synchronous Copy File and show how they can be used to move individual pieces of data and entire arrays.
Learn about the differences between red, green, infrared, and more recently, blue photoelectric sensors and how the…
Learn about the differences between red, green, infrared, and more recently, blue photoelectric sensors and how the different light spectrums can aid in varying industrial automation processes.
Learn about the common applications, programming procedures, and safety protocols of collaborative robot work cells,…
Learn about the common applications, programming procedures, and safety protocols of collaborative robot work cells, which are often simpler and less expensive than industrial robot work cells.
Inside a controller, code is interpreted into the binary signals that influence input and output signals, flags and…
Inside a controller, code is interpreted into the binary signals that influence input and output signals, flags and registers, and even the communication of network signals. This is the job of firmware.
Fuses and breakers are some of the most common safeguards to prevent electrical shock and fires. Learn about these two…
Fuses and breakers are some of the most common safeguards to prevent electrical shock and fires. Learn about these two pieces of industrial equipment and the difference between slow blow and quick blow responses.
The world of manufacturing is filled with robots, but beginners are still always faced with key questions, starting with…
The world of manufacturing is filled with robots, but beginners are still always faced with key questions, starting with perhaps the most basic: how do you program industrial robots?
Centralized control systems are often seen as outdated compared to decentralized systems; however, both have their…
Centralized control systems are often seen as outdated compared to decentralized systems; however, both have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to choosing which one to use in manufacturing.
DC voltage systems exist to provide controllers and field devices with stable power, but it is not always clear when…
DC voltage systems exist to provide controllers and field devices with stable power, but it is not always clear when these systems should be bonded with the earth ground of the AC line voltage supply.
We will show you how to recognize, utilize, and efficiently operate your comparison instructions in…
We will show you how to recognize, utilize, and efficiently operate your comparison instructions in Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 and Automation Direct’s Productivity Suite to make your program flow smoothly.
There are many distributed fieldbus capabilities for valve manifolds that can save on network overhead and wiring. In…
There are many distributed fieldbus capabilities for valve manifolds that can save on network overhead and wiring. In this article, we will look at PLC programming of fieldbus manifolds highlighting Festo's CPX layout.
We will show you how to use the basic trigonometry functions to build ladder logic in a PLC, allowing for a clean,…
We will show you how to use the basic trigonometry functions to build ladder logic in a PLC, allowing for a clean, well-organized, and easy-to-use code that allows you and other users to troubleshoot your programs.
We will show you how to use common math functions from two popular PLC programs—Rockwell Automation's Studio 5000 and…
We will show you how to use common math functions from two popular PLC programs—Rockwell Automation's Studio 5000 and Automation Direct Productivity Suite.
Counting up and down are commonly required functions in PLC lagger logic programs for tracking inventories, placement…
Counting up and down are commonly required functions in PLC lagger logic programs for tracking inventories, placement patterns, and gaining informational insights about machine performance statistics.
Many PLC commands are well-known to programmers, including contacts, coils, timers, and counters. But a less-common…
Many PLC commands are well-known to programmers, including contacts, coils, timers, and counters. But a less-common instruction is the one-shot, capable of harnessing the incredible processing speeds in a CPU.
One of the most considerable risks in aging control environments is that eventually, spare parts become obsolete and…
One of the most considerable risks in aging control environments is that eventually, spare parts become obsolete and unavailable, and the lack of an upgrade plan can turn a simple failure into a catastrophe.
Credited with coining the name ‘PLC’, Allen-Bradley and parent company Rockwell Automation are major players in the…
Credited with coining the name ‘PLC’, Allen-Bradley and parent company Rockwell Automation are major players in the world of control systems. Learn how the hardware platforms have evolved into the familiar modern configurations.